Authorities Investigating Death Of American Tourist In Dominican Republic After Falling From Rooftop Bar

Last Updated 10 months ago

Authorities in the Dominican Republic are investigating the death of a U.S. tourist who died after falling from a rooftop bar in the country’s capital Santo Domingo. The tragic incident sent shock waves across the otherwise largely safe capital city. Officials are currently working to determine whether the building lacked safety features that may have prevented the victim’s death at the time of the accident.

Rooftop bar area in Santo Domingo with seating

A 27-year-old U.S. tourist fell to his death from a Santo Domingo rooftop bar last Sunday while enjoying a night out in the city. The tragic accident took place shortly after midnight in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, the oldest area in the capital and one of the main attractions for countless visitors. Although first responders rushed to the scene to attend to the injured man, they were unable to revive him, and the man was later pronounced dead in a nearby hospital.

Dominican ambulance on the road carrying patients

A 9-1-1 transcript revealed that the victim was still conscious after falling down from the two-story building but suffered severe injuries, including significant internal bleeding and fractures to the chest and pelvis. It is believed that the individual was still conscious at the time when he was rushed to a local hospital.

The incident took place in the 717 INN bar, a popular venue among tourists in one of Santo Domingo’s busiest areas. The two-story building which houses the bar is located on General Gabino Puello street in downtown Santo Domingo.

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A hospital in the Dominican Republic with an ambulance parked out in front

Several passersby were also reportedly injured by falling concrete rubble and debris, although no severe injuries were registered. The area where the incident occurred is a popular location for locals and travelers, with busy streets and packed bars. The accident also happened on a weekend, when more people were out enjoying the city’s lively bars and commercial areas.

Santo Domingo busy night streets with lights and shops

Authorities rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the accident, alongside first responders and several ambulances. The victim, identified as Gray Berrora, was rushed to Doctor Darío Conteras, where doctors were unable to resuscitate the tourist. According to César Roque, the hospital director, the victim died several minutes after arriving at the hospital.

Local media reports suggest that Mr. Berroa fell down from the rooftop bar after leaning against a concrete barrier that collapsed under his weight. Although authorities have only recently launched a detailed investigation into the accident, it is believed that the building’s old age may have played a role in the victim’s death. However, due to multiple eyewitness accounts, the investigation may time some time to complete.

Young people partying at a rooftop bar with drinks on the table

According to a social media post by 717 Inn, which was later deleted, “at 12:30 A.M. this Sunday, an unfortunate event took place when a foreign national accessed a restricted area in our establishment, after which the accident took place.” However, countless locals took to social media to denounce the bar’s statement, claiming that the victim was in a public and open area when the accident took place. Shortly after, the venue published an official apology lamenting the death of the 27-year-old.

Police man in Santo Domingo performing official duties

Friends and close relatives of Mr. Berroa launched a Gofundme campaign to raise money to cover the expenses for repatriating the victim’s body to the United States, a highly costly process. The incident attracted widespread media coverage in the Dominican Republic, shocking locals and visitors alike.

Santo Domingo's bustling old town with restaurants

Although Santo Domingo is a safe destination for travelers, Sunday’s accident highlighted the worrying condition of some of the buildings in the Dominican Republic’s capital city. Authorities are also aware of the situation and have announced several efforts to improve the city’s aging infrastructure, especially around the Ciudad Colonial area.